one saturday morning it was just me, which was amazing. one on one tutoring - cant better than that !
it seems the norm for everyone to practice together and i think someone said further up it gives you a better knowledge generally, and prepares you for your later kyu's

I just wish someone wold explain some of the lingo !

It seems to work even better with two in class with the instructor. You get to feel the technique as uke, seeit as an outside observer, and apply it as nage. And, you are 1/3'rd of the class!
Lan